FEAR, HOPE AND LOVE

Thank you to ALL the essential workers, for a job well done. We respect the sacrifice you make everyday to keep Manitoba safe and open for business. To the front line workers, a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, emergency personal, care home workers, health care aides, funeral directors and all others, directly involved on the front lines of fighting COVID-19. It truly takes courageous individuals to leave the comfort of their homes to make a difference and help others.

9-11 forever changed the way we travel. COVID-19 has changed the way we communicate and interact with one another. The Corona Virus caught everyone off guard and showed us how fast the world can change. The virus has many people living in fear, facing anxiety and stress levels like never before. Many are struggling to make ends meet. Businesses that have served the public for years are closing their doors and many hard working people are now unemployed. Families are being ripped apart in so many different ways. We are now facing a higher level of personal and business bankruptcy. Spousal abuse and divorce is at an all time high; addiction is taking control of many people’s lives; and for the first time that I can ever remember, people are having to wait in a line outside to buy groceries, and sporting activities have been put on hold. Businesses have had to adjust and change the way they operate. Many people are now working remotely from home.

This new virus and the changes it has surrounded us with, are making people feel uncertain of what tomorrow will bring. The government has stepped up to the plate to help; by providing loans to businesses and money to the people who need it most. Manitoba officials, along with front line workers have done an amazing job keeping Manitobans safe.

Today I encourage all to have faith and stay strong. Together we will overcome this virus. I have strong empathy for families who have loved ones who are sick in a hospital, or in a longterm care facility. Not being able to visit is absolutely heart breaking. As hard as it may be not to see them, we need to remember that not physically being there is helping to keep everyone safe.

Facing the death of a loved one through COVD-19 has been devastating and overwhelming on so many levels. It has been hard to say goodbye with all the restrictions in place, adding to the grief process, and making death even more complicated. Funerals and gatherings help us as a community to accept death and be a part of the healing process. Being surrounded in a room full of love and people that care, makes such a difference. Shedding tears, sharing a special hug or handshake, and hearing words of condolences allows us to move through the grieving process. Every life deserves to be celebrated in one way or another. Nobody ever deserves to die alone.

Now more than ever we need to regain communication. We need to be thankful for technology that allows us to have virtual meetings and conversations. I encourage you to accept and adapt to the changes through these trying times. Use technology to communicate with loved ones in care facilities and hospitals. This allows your loved one to see your face, hear your voice and know that you are there for them. You may not be physically there, but this ensures them that they are not alone. Stay in touch with families who have lost a loved one by texting or calling and offering your condolences. Many elderly individuals are home alone; check-up on them and make sure they have the necessities they need to be comfortable. If you know a person or a family who is struggling, reach out and help. These are truly the times each and everyone of us can make a difference.

Please know and understand my heart is truly broken for those families that are struggling. Struggles are a part of life. Do not give up; fight the good fight and remember that tomorrow is a new day. Family and good friends are all we really have in this world. Be good to one another, take care of yourself and each other. Show patience to those around us, instead of rudeness. Extend kindness to others so you may walk in peace. Know that for every door that closes another will open. May your lives be overflowing and filled with the power of love, so you can make a difference in this world. Let us not hold grudges but choose to forgive.

As hard as it is to understand all the restrictions that have been in place, it has helped us as a province keep our citizens alive, safe, and COVID-19 free. Life will continue on and COVID-19 will be another lesson in the history books in school classes around the world. It is trying times like this that make us stronger and appreciate each other for who we are.

To the many people of Manitoba, I applaud your efforts in staying home and following instructions. Following protocols has helped make a difference. Soon we will be able to physically communicate with our loved ones and friends that we miss so much, realizing how blessed we are to have freedom. Our children will go back to school, individuals will go back to work and life will become normal once again. Life is a gift, enjoy every minute of it. Do not take today for granted. Live every day as if it were your last. Reach out and live your dreams.

Voyage Funeral Home is more than just a business. We are a caring family. Our staff is an extension of our family and we truly appreciate and love each one of them. We run our business from our hearts. The staff that work at Voyage are remarkable people with exceptional gifts and talent. They take compassion and empathy to a new level. We all truly care about you, your family and your loved one who has passed away. We sincerely believe in treating your loved one as we would our own. Continuity of care is so important in the funeral business. At Voyage we take pride in knowing your loved one is in our care 100% of the time. We own and operate our own state of the art cremation facility. Immediate family are welcome to come and say their final goodbyes to their loved one at no charge. We do not sell you caskets for cremation or play on your emotions. We are upfront and honest.

As a funeral director, I cannot take death away nor can I take away the pain. I do however have empathy and will do my utmost best to carry your family through the most difficult experiences caused by death. I promise to be honest, loving, caring, understanding and most of all have the greatest compassion, respect and dignity for your family, regardless of your situation. I pray that your higher power be with you and your family; helping to protect and shower you with love, peace and good health.